Speeches

  1. 2024 MLK Symposium

    January 15, 2024

    (As prepared for delivery) Thanks so much for BLKBOK for your simply beautiful opening and even more inspiring life. Tabbye, I’d also like to thank you as well as for the outstanding job you are doing in leading our Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. I’d also like to express my gratitude to our distinguished …

  2. 2023 Winter Commencement

    December 17, 2023

    (As prepared for delivery) Good afternoon! Congratulations graduates! You’ve made it – you’re finally through! After the endless hours of study, the presentations, the papers and the projects and the exams, your persistence, your excellence, is now crowned with success. I’m so proud of you. And not only you, but your families, your friends, your …

  3. State of the University 2023

    November 29, 2023

    Remarks as prepared for delivery It’s such an honor to be here with all of you this afternoon – regents, our executive officers, and deans, our colleagues from Michigan Medicine, and our staff, student and faculty leads. You exemplify our credo of the leaders and best. You are the reason we are a world-leading public …

  4. Wallenberg Medal and Lecture

    October 10, 2023

    Remarks as prepared for delivery Thanks so much for your introduction Dr. Harlow, and for your leadership of the Wallenberg Medal Executive Committee.  I’d like to recognize my partner in leadership, Provost Laurie McCauley, who has joined us tonight.  I’d also like to offer my gratitude to the generosity of donors who continue to ensure …

  5. 2023 DEI Community Assembly

    October 9, 2023

    Remarks as prepared for delivery Thank you Provost McCauley.  I so appreciate your partnership in our leadership, especially in the critical issues we’re addressing today.  I’d also like to echo your thanks to Vice Provost Tabbye Chavous. In addition to her fantastic work as our Chief Diversity Officer, she is a trusted friend and counselor. …

  6. New Student Convocation 2023

    August 27, 2023

    Remarks as prepared for delivery Thanks so much for your introduction Meera. I’m grateful for your leadership of Central Student Government, and I’m looking forward to working with you and your colleagues in the upcoming year. I also appreciate the service and leadership of those who have spoken – Vice President Harmon, Vice President for …

  7. 2023 Spring Commencement

    April 29, 2023

    Good morning! Graduates, congratulations – you’ve made it! After all the classes, exams, and uncertainties, you’re through! And not only you, but your families and friends too! They’ve come right alongside. They’ve been with you at each step. They celebrated with you on the day you were accepted at Michigan. When you had difficulties and …

  8. 100th Annual Honors Convocation

    March 19, 2023

    (As prepared for delivery) It is truly a pleasure and honor to be with all of you this afternoon. Our student speakers and musicians have been fantastic – thank you. I’d also like to thank our faculty and staff and leadership team – it is so much more to your credit than mine that we …

  9. Inauguration Address

    March 7, 2023

    (As prepared for delivery) Paul, thank you. I’m so grateful to you and the Board of Regents. Thank you all for joining us, whether online or in this magnificent auditorium. Thank you again for your faith in me. It is such a privilege and honor to be inaugurated today to serve all of you as …

  10. 2022 Winter Commencement

    December 18, 2022

    (As prepared for delivery) Good afternoon! Congratulations, graduates! You’ve made it! And not only you, but your families and supporters have too. They’ve come right alongside. They celebrated with you when you were accepted here at Michigan… and on the day you did better than you imagined on an exam or paper. They were also …